If, you follow me on Facebook the above scripture was my post Friday while at the doctor. I sat there waiting for my allergy results and almost leaped out my chair while reading John 11:1-44, The Raising of Lazarus. I’ve read the story before, and likewise heard many sermons relating, but this time there was something different. And that something different was my heart was captivated by what Jesus said to Martha, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” It was as if Jesus voice echoed in my spirit, Tawanda, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”

Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, were friends of Jesus. Lazarus became ill and his two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling Him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” But when Jesus heard about it He said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, He stayed where He was for the next two days and His dear friend Lazarus had died.  When Jesus arrived at Bethany, He was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days.

We pray and pray and when God doesn’t respond as we think He should, He has a higher purpose; He has wonderful plans for us that don’t always include answering our prayers in the way we expect or when we expect. However, we can trust that He will always work things out for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28-29). Our position is to not get weary, but believe that God is faithful and He will answer. Although Jesus loved Lazarus, He chose to stay in Bethany two more days. His prospective was that Lazarus was not dead but only asleep, and that Lazarus was asleep for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.

I could imagine the two sister’s pain, and how they were disappointed that Jesus did not come. But when we read the story we see that Jesus did not forsake them, that His delay was not Gods denial.

When Martha discovered that Jesus was on His way, she went out to meet Him. “Lord,” she said, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”Jesus told Martha, “Your brother will rise again.” But Martha thought he was talking about the final resurrection of the dead. Then Jesus said these important words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” Martha then went and told Mary that Jesus wanted to see her. When Mary met Jesus she was grieving with strong emotion over her brother’s death. The Jews with her were also weeping and mourning. Deeply moved by their grief, Jesus wept with them (John 11:32-36) Even though God knows the ultimate outcome of our waiting and our suffering will be glorious; He still has compassion on us in the midst of our heartache. His love is amazing!

Jesus arrived at the tomb “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” To see our prayers answered, we must sometimes obey God when He asks us to do things that don’t make sense. It is essential to seeing your prayers answered? It was essential that stone move aside!

Today in the name of Jesus I believe everything is under Your control. Lord, help us to draw near to You and trust You even when we don’t understand what Your purpose is. Use my circumstances to glorify your name. Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life, whatever is dead around your believers is NOW alive! Lord, we grab hold to Your POWERFUL WORD that gives LIFE and in the name of Jesus we roll the stone away and believe.

Jesus responded, ________ “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” John 11:40 

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Love in Action; Local Artist, Children & Volunteers Continue the Love Epidemic

Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.  (Proverbs 16:3 MSG)

The idea is to “roll your cares onto the Lord.” Trusting the Lord with our decisions frees us from preoccupation with our problems. We are to get to know God in our process of living. In doing so, we find time and time again that God smoothes out paths. WOW! As I continue to seek God, and learn of His character I find getting to know God personally is so much freedom.  How freeing it is to know that God is for your success in life; He created you for a purpose and He wants you to succeed. It is God, your Creator, who will measure your success in life, and no one else. As I think back to a life of religion I honestly did not see God as my friend, or as a purser of my heart. I’ve always known Him as a “fix it by and by God”, a God who wasn’t concerned about the smallest detail of my life, that He only cared if I was sick on my dying bed. I am captivated of the love God has for His creation, I can’t seem to stop reading the greatest love story ever written (the Bible).

You may struggle to believe that the Lord will provide for your daily needs. Perhaps you’re facing an overwhelmingly difficult trial—one which exhausts your resources. Or perhaps you wonder if He will ever fulfill your heart’s desire in a particular area. Trusting the Lord means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.

Knowing God is for you will change your whole perspective on life. You’ll stop thinking of God as someone looking down from Heaven waiting to condemn you when you make a mistake, wanting to destroy you.  We don’t need to be afraid of God, because God is for you. .

Every challenge presents an opportunity for the Father to display His faithfulness and love. Instead of yielding to thoughts of fear and failure, make a commitment to trust Him, even when you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

Remember the story of David and Goliath (1 Sam 17) David won the victory against Goliath—an experienced, intimidating warrior—because the young shepherd saw the conflict from God’s perspective. The secret of David’s success was his ability to trust and obey God. No one from the Israelite camp encouraged David in his quest to defeat Goliath. David knew it wasn’t his own reputation on the line; he also knew it was not his strength that would win the battle. Glory and victory belonged to the Lord alone. Do you see that your victory belongs to the Lord? 

Thank God for working on your behalf, and rest in His supernatural peace. When you place your trust in God, you tap into an unstoppable force that nothing and no one can successfully oppose. God is for you. Your success gives Him the victory.

When worry or frustration builds, recite encouraging scriptures aloud to yourself. Your faith will grow, and so will your peace. These scriptures (to name a few) are full of promises. Let’s review them from both the New Living Translation and the Message Bible.

For guidance-

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8 NLT)

Let me give you some good advice; I’m looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight (Psalm 32:8 MSG)

God’s Help

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2 NLT)

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. (Psalm 121:1-2 MSG)

Hope

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. (Psalm 16:9 NLT)

I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell—   that’s not my destination!  (Psalm 16:9 MSG)

Joy

There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! (Psalm 43:4 NLT)

Give me your lantern and compass,  give me a map, So I can find my way to the sacred mountain, to the place of your presence, To enter the place of worship, meet my exuberant God, Sing my thanks with a harp, magnificent God, my God (Psalm 43:4 MSG)

Mercy

But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. (Exodus 20:6 NLT)

No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I am God, your God, and I’m a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I’m unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:6 MSG)

the Father’s care

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT)

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you (1 Peter 5:6-7 MSG)

Peace

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”  (John 16:33 MSG)

Tawanda Robbins (I am an OCCUPIER) Igniting and Inspiring a relationship with God throughout the world one hearer at a time

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Intimate with God\’s Spirit (God desires a relationship with YOU) <click, please view the video and join me movement~Let’s OCCUPY!

She woke up on the floor drenched in her own vomit. Looking around at the unfamiliar bathroom, she struggled to remember how she got there this time. She started using drugs, and she felt so free. She’d sneak out of the house and go wherever she wanted. She lied to her parents until the only thing left was to run away. She searched daily for that never ending high in dangerous places. Three years of drug addiction, she sold and lost everything of value and didn’t have enough money to keep her habit up. Then she moves in with a dealer boyfriend because she can’t afford the drugs without him….

27% of the U.S. population will deal with substance abuse at some point in their life. Substance abuse is the cause of 25% of U.S. Deaths. And 50% of all traffic deaths are caused by alcohol.

Look around! You never know who may need you. I pray that God is seen in you today. I pray someone will tell the young lady mentioned about Jesus. I pray they will ell her about His compassion, His love, and how He does not judge nor condemn but will accept her just the way she is… I choose to tell the message of Jesus to the world not only with my talk but with my lifestyle. I am the hand and feet of the living GOD! My name is Tawanda Robbins and I am an OCCUPIER!  We can change this world just like the 12 disciples did, all we have to do is follow Jesus word and join together. Will you join me? Please join me in prayer.

Jesus, You told us that You came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, so in Your name, we are asking You to break the bonds of substance abuse in the lives of those who are suffering right now. Give them the courage and the power to break free. Touch their hearts with Your unconditional love. Thank You for Your grace in their lives. In Jesus name Amen

If you prayed with me and believe God heard your prayer, thank you. If you are like the young lady mentioed and you need prayer or help please email info@tawandarobbins.com God is in the restoring business and He desires an Intimate relationship with You.

God Bless~ OCCUPIERS, let’s OCCUPY!

I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will He find on the earth who have faith?” Luke 18:8 (NLT)

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Questions you have about your life or life’s most difficult problems can only be solved with God.

This morning after my run, I thought about my life as I sat quietly I enjoyed Gods peace. I closed my eyes to see His hand guiding me from where I was to where I am know, although at times I have to run to Him in a hurry I am so blessed. We all are so blessed…

Daniel 2:29 “As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen.”

I’ve noticed in my relationship with the Lord the more I get to know Him the more I want to know and the more He reveals. Now more than ever I see that life is simple, however along the way I’ve complicated many things due to lack of knowledge and disobedience.  My relationship with God is personal and does not lead me to debate my faith nor to judge others, but to share the beauty I’ve found.

God is the revealer of mysteries, but He will give you only what you can handle right now. Too much knowledge is a temptation to use for selfish or prideful purposes. Like Daniel, we must give credit to God when He has entrusted you with the secrets of His kingdom. Daniel claimed no great wisdom only servanthood.  You and I are here to bring God glory, and to help others understand His love. God alone holds to secret of the ages. He is our source, and He so desires that you and I depend only on Him.

Find a quiet place where you can be alone to talk with God, just as you would a close friend. When we cultivate a personal relationship with God, we learn that His way is always better than our own. When we cultivate a relationship with God, we must understand that He not only wants to be an intricate part of our lives, but He also wants us to delight in the time we spend with Him. When we begin to enjoy spending time with Him, He allows us to know Him on a more intimate level. He reveals mysteries to us when we quiet ourselves and listen more intently for His voice. He will give us answers that only He can give, which will empower us to reach our fullest potential in life.

In order to reach this secret place, we must keep in mind certain truths that are vital in establishing a relationship with Him. First, we must acknowledge His son, Jesus, who sacrificed His precious blood. It is a necessity in the life of a Believer. It is only because of Jesus’ sacrifice that we have an opportunity to cultivate a close relationship with the Father.

The answers to the problems you have been struggling with are waiting for you in His presence. I encourage you to begin to seek Him today. Take your relationship with the Lord to a deeper level by giving Him the opportunity to speak into your life—then quickly obey what you hear.

He is waiting for you, even if you spend time with Him this morning He is still waiting.

God Bless,

The Holy Bible

Mornings with Tawanda- Tawanda Robbins

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. Luke 4:18-19 (NLT)

Sixty five men and women of Hope Haven rehabilitation center filled the auditorium anticipating my arrival. As I walked in I noticed their eyes followed me but I noticed a greater presences pursuit of purpose I was not afraid. Usually before I minister in song, I’m speaking the Word of God to fear and I’m encouraging myself but Wednesday night was different. I stood before them transparent and took them on a journey of a love story of God’s restoration.

I’ve waited for this moment. I recall talking about this moment to God before stepping out and pursuing the opportunity. Me standing before the brokenhearted, those discouraged because of their plight in life and proclaiming liberty to the captives. Letting them know this is their day of Jubilee a new start, because Jesus offers a total cancellation of spiritual debt and a new beginning to those who respond to His message.   

Two days before I set aside to prepare. Then it happened! The thought… “Why are you going to places like this, you need to focus on radio airplay and getting on every stage you can get on. That’s going to get your music and your name known”. I sat there! I entertained the thought, why am I taking this path? I talked to my husband. You see I left corporate America out of obedience to God and my choice affects my family. I must admit I did not see the full path as I then tired to lean to my own understanding. However as I look back I see the path that leads me to where I am now. Luke 16:9

Wednesday morning I had to talk to God about this thought, because the thought was beginning to take up a lot of space in my mind. I know I did not pull it down nor did I attempt to hold it captive. So I asked why wasn’t my focus on radio airplay, why wasn’t I calling every church, knocking on every concert venue. Instead I was seeking those who where oppressed. I sat there and the Holy Spirit answered, “Jesus is the seeker of the lost. Tell me what would Jesus do?”

 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10

You see we all have our own unique path and purpose. The apostle Paul admonishes us NOT to compete with others or compare our talents with their potential since we are responsible only for OUR potential, NOT theirs. ‎2 Corinthians 10:12 The thought I allowed to hold me captive used the world as the standard not the Word of God.

Wednesday night at Hope Haven our Lord and Savior received a standing ovation He received the glory!

I prayed for several and hugged and encouraged many. Jesus your unfailing LOVE is amazing. Lord, I have been that lost coin and I have also been the one sheep out of one hundred You found wandering outside the fold. You didn’t write me off, kick me out, or lock the gate. You are a seeker of the lost. I’m glad You looked for me and found me. Thank you for bringing me into Your fold.

From a Father’s Heart: My child, I love all My “sheep” the same. But if you strayed outside the gate, do you know what I would do? I would make sure the other sheep were secure for the night, and I would come after you. I would leave no stone unturned, no bush unsearched until I found you, folded you in My arms and carried you back home where you belong. There are lost sheep all around you. Will you help Me find them and love them, too? – By Rebecca Barlow Jordan, Daily In Your Presence, Intimate conversations with a Loving Father

The Holy Bible

Mornings with Tawanda- Tawanda Robbins

Igniting and Inspiring a Relationship with God throughout the world one hearer at a time.

www.tawandarobbins.com

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My heart dropped, and her words were on repeat in my mind, “because of my faith I am free!”

Saturday after running around with the girls I decided to relax and watch some television. I watched an interview of the best-selling country artists in music history Dolly Patron. She talked about her humble life as the fourth of twelve children; her parents struggle to make ends meet and where she is now as the most honored female country performer of all time. Achieving 25 RIAA certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, she has had 25 songs reach number 1 on the Billboard Country charts, a record for a female artist. She has 41 career top 10 country albums, and she has 110 career charted singles over the past 40 years and the list goes on and on, her service of giving has impact the world.

Then the interviewer asked; “why do you think you’ve achieved more success than others”. She paused and said; “I know there are people more talented than I am, but that’s their talent. I am only accountable for the talent God gave me, and I believe I am accountable to God to do the best with my talent, so when He returns He will be pleased.” She then paused and said; “because of my faith I am FREE”! She repeated, “My faith offers FREEDOM; therefore I do not fear anything. If God allowed me to think it, I believe He has a plan for me to do it, so I do it.” I just obey without fear.

That’s it! I felt as though my heart dropped, that’s it! Because of Jesus I am FREE! Because of my faith in Jesus Christ I AM FREE!  But I knew that, but when she said those words it was like I understood in a different way.

Faith isn’t just something you talk about. It’s something you do. Faith is only activated when we act. We have faith in God when we do what He says. God’s Word is a message to obey, not just hear. James 1:22 says, “Don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (NLT).

Proverbs 28:14 says, “Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn, you will be ruined” (GNB). Obedience and stubbornness are two sides of the same coin. Obedience brings joy, but our stubbornness makes us miserable.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:6 NLT)

Anytime we demonstrate faith, we’re relying on something. When you sit in a chair, you’re relying on the chair’s manufacturer to produce something that will hold you up. When you’re on the freeway, you’re relying on every other driver around you. Faith in God means we rely on Him and depend on His reliability. Having faith means realizing that God is bigger, greater, and better than me – and He loves me greatly.

Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (NLT). That’s the problem with relying on yourself. We’re often wrong. Human intuition is not always reliable. In fact, it’s just good enough to make us think we’re right – even when we’re not.

Genuine faith is relying on God’s direction and on who He is. God is reliable. He knows what you need, and He wants to meet those needs. God doesn’t promise to make your life perfect and problem-free. Instead, He promises to give you the life you’ve always been meant to have. Only God can do that.

When God asks us to do something, Satan typically reminds us of all we have to give up in order to obey. But that’s only part of the story. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (NLT). That’s great news! When I trust in God — or take refuge in Him — He brings joy.

So what’s holding you back? Because of my FAITH I AM FREE! Think about that. 

There are blessings all around you, don’t miss any of them

The Holy Bible

Rick Warren- Purpose Driven Connection

Mornings with Tawanda- Tawanda Robbins www.tawandarobbins.com

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.   The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does. Psalm 145:13

If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is. 2 Timothy 2:13, Discover God Bible, (NLT).

As I look back over my life, I see tracks of God’s faithfulness. Sometimes carrying me, sometimes walking beside me holding my hand, the Lord is always there. Time after time when I fail, His promises remain. God is true to His Word, He is faithful.

The more I read God’s Word I find it is impossible for God to break His promise. He and His Word are the same. He fulfilled every promise He made.

In Joshua’s farewell address he said, “Not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled” Joshua 23:14

Promises mean nothing without fulfillment. Every promise He has given you is yours to claim, so what are you waiting for? Believe today. God is your promise keeper.

God is there even in our most difficult times. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). “When you pass through the waters, I will be with You” (Isaiah 43:2). God is our ever-present help in trouble. When we are in trouble, He is there to help us. Daniel chapter 3, the three Hebrew boys were thrown into a fiery furnace because they refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. The King looked into the flames and said , “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25 KVJ). God did not keep them from the fire, but His Son was with them and protected them from harm. The Book of Lamentations was written at one of the lowest points in the history of the people of Israel. Much of the book is weeping, but in the midst of his weeping the prophet could affirm that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV).

God will do this, for He is faithful to do what He says, and He has invited you into partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 New Living Translation (NLT)

My child, I courted you long before you loved Me. I loved you when you were unlovable. And even when you turned away from Me for a season and ran after other lovers, I chased you with My love. I waited for you, like a father for his prodigal son. You can never run too far away. I’m not about to lose your love, My bride. I will search for you to the ends of the earth and bring you back. I love you that much. I keep my covenants. I remain your faithful love forever. From Intimate Conversations with a Loving Father, Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Don’t waver, don’t give up! Stay focus! Trust God He is faithful. I know you too can look back and see tracks of God’s faithfulness. Sometimes carrying you, and sometimes walking beside you holding your hand. He is Faithful!

The Holy Bible

Mornings with Tawanda- Tawanda Robbins (www.tawandarobbins.com)